Sunday, December 13, 2009

The Mayor's Moments

The 2nd meeting in November is when newly elected officials take the Oath of Office in Duarte. The City Clerk is administering the oath, and then I was selected as Mayor by my colleagues on the city council. It is my 4th time as mayor, and I will serve for a year. Then I will finish the remainder of the four-year term as a councilmember. We rotate the job annually.
Many of my family members and friends were there at the meeting for the Oath of Office and my installation as mayor. Thanks to all of them for help with my election. . .I couldn't have done it without them.

My first official act as Mayor was to switch the lights on the 50 foot live Christmas tree in our city. Ellie and Gavin helped, as did about 25 other little children in Duarte. It was a great evening.

Sunday, December 06, 2009

Thanksgiving at Morro Bay

Thanksgiving at Morro Bay this year was a considerably smaller group than in previous years. Grammie and Grampie had 5 of their grandchildren to celebrate this year. Jim and Sue had all three girls there (Tat from Hawaii and Ne and Tica from Chicago). Dan and Helen had Erin and Allison to share the holiday with (Jeannie was out to sea off the coast of Florida on the Harriet Lane). Allison invited a friend from Cal Poly, Ilana, who was not able to return to her home for the break.
While the days were warm, the nights cooled off quickly. We enjoyed happy hour around the warmth of the fire pit while we watched the sunset over the bay from the new front deck. Everyone helped in preparing the Thanksgiving feast, with several new dishes added this year. Of course we all enjoyed the delicious smoked turkey - thanks to Grampie!
With the crisp autumn weather, we took a tour of Cass Winery, in Paso Robles. Allison has been working there for several months. We enjoyed learning more about the different grapes and wines that come from this region of California.
We hope everyone enjoyed spending time with family during this beautiful time of the year. Our time on the Central Coast was special.